Tour Guides and Escorts
Tour guides and escorts escort individuals or groups on sightseeing tours or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, and art galleries.
Tour guides jobs are an important component of the tourism industry and make trips memorable for tourists, either individuals or groups, as they take them through a site or attraction, providing an insight into the culture, food, traditions, shopping, festivals, weather, flora and fauna, etc. They are aware of the opening and closing times of the monuments, routes and means of travel to the site, ensure guest safety and provide them with information about the sites or destinations in an interesting manner. They are bilingual, which enables them to be able to communicate with tourists as well as locals.
A city guide escort meets and greets the tourist, and makes arrangements for their stay, food, and sightseeing, ensuring that the itinerary timings are followed and guests have a comfortable and memorable vacation. The tour guide's salary is commensurate with the number of hours, skills and experience.
Being a tour guide or escort usually requires an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. They learn on the job and pick up the tricks of the trade from their peers. They should have good computer knowledge, presentation skills and pay attention to detail.
To have a successful escort career, require the guide to have excellent people skills, communication skills, a pleasant and smiling personality and problem-solving abilities among others.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- B.A. Tourism Studies
- B.Com Travel and Tourism Management
- B.Sc. Travel and Tourism Management
- Diploma Tourist Guide
- Certificate Tourist Guide
Tasks
- Conduct educational activities for school children.
- Escort individuals or groups on cruises, sightseeing tours, or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, or art galleries.
- Describe tour points of interest to group members, and respond to questions.
- Monitor visitors' activities to ensure compliance with establishment or tour regulations and safety practices.
- Greet and register visitors, and issue any required identification badges or safety devices.
- Distribute brochures, show audiovisual presentations, and explain establishment processes and operations at tour sites.
- Provide directions and other pertinent information to visitors.
- Provide for physical safety of groups, performing such activities as providing first aid or directing emergency evacuations.
- Provide information about wildlife varieties and habitats, as well as any relevant regulations, such as those pertaining to hunting and fishing.
- Collect fees and tickets from group members.
Progression Routes
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